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OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Our executive team work with our intermediary partners to ensure they receive the highest service standards and their clients receive the highest quality cover.
Peter Mann
Non-Executive Chairman
Peter has over 30 years’ experience in financial services. He’s been an adviser, CEO of a large distribution business, Chief Executive of Skandia and Vice Chairman of Old Mutual Wealth. Peter was our Chairman from 2018 until moving to Non-Executive Chairman in May 2025.
Carlton Hood
Chief Executive Officer
Carlton has 30 years of financial services experience, including roles as CEO at Confused.com and Responsible Life, and Chief Customer Officer at Old Mutual plc. He joined Guardian in May 2025, driven by his passion for challenging traditional financial services to improve outcomes for advisers and customers.
Hilary Banks
Chief Commercial Officer
Hilary has worked in intermediary distribution for almost 20 years. She was part of the leadership team for Vitality and has worked with a number of market-leading UK insurers.
Nischal Singh
Chief Financial Officer
Nischal is a qualified actuary with more than 20 years’ experience in financial services. He joined Guardian in 2017 as part of the founding team and played a key role in launching the business in 2018. Nischal has held senior positions in both established firms and start-ups, bringing together technical knowledge and commercial insight.
Gower Wisdom
Chief Operating Officer
Gower has more than 20 years experience in life insurance and wealth management. Before joining Guardian in November 2025, Gower was previously CEO and COO of AUL Assurance, a specialist start-up life insurer, and Product Director at Quilter.
Ruth Starsmeare
Group Chief Technology Officer
Ruth brings over 40 years of IT experience, beginning her career at IBM in the 1980s. She has specialised in change programmes and has held a variety of roles both globally and within the UK. For the past 6 years, Ruth has been an integral part of the Punter Southall group.
Julie Speiser
Group HR Manager
Julie has over 35 years of HR experience in a variety of HR roles and industries spreading across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She has a wealth of leadership experience and has supported Punter Southall Group companies for 11 years.